Derby Hopefuls for this year?

Josh Hamilton

Smarty Jones

Smarty Jones was the best horse of my lifetime, by far.

I would argue Alydar was better than Smarty Jones

To actually be serious, The Factor and Uncle Mo are the big favorites right now. I've just started scouting, and some of the big prep races haven't happened, but I have my eye on Soldat. I also like Mucho Mucho Mn, who ran 3rd in the La Derby despite throwing a shoe out of the gate. Horrible trip, finishes third... could be good value.

Waiting for Florida, the Wood, and Santa Anita.

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Smarty Jones was the best horse of my lifetime, by far.

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There's no way this is true. First off... Cigar. Secondly, Smarty Jones isn't that great. Barbaro actually had the most impressive Derby of any horse I've seen. I thought he was a lock for the Triple Crown.

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Smarty lost to Birdstone in Belmont right? Or am I thinking wrong year?

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Yep. In 2004.

Smarty Jones was leading into the last turn by a pretty decent amount of lengths, but then he ran out of gas and Birdstone caught him and won by about a length and a half IIRC.

Actually, I think Afleet Alex was a better horse. The Derby, with such a large field, is essentilly luck these days. It's who gets the best ride. Alex finished third, and then won the Preakness and the Belmont in more "honest" races.

But are over-emphasis on the Triple Crown skews our view. That's just who was best as a 3 year old. Tiznow won the Breeders Cup Classic twice and no one cares. Which is a shame.

Why is the Belmont more honest? To me its more of endurance and not about speed like the Belmont. I like the Derby it's a good distance on a great track.